It is official, Redcar and Cleveland College continues to be a certified Dementia Friendly college.

Efforts to help spread the word across the group and implement positive change have been recognised with reaccreditation from the Alzheimer’s Society.

“This is something that means a lot to us as a college,” said programme area lead Michelle Kelso. “It is incredible how small changes can make a significant difference to people’s lives.”

Delivering a greater understanding of life with dementia, Michelle explained: “We want to help take some of the fear away and help people to understand that there’s more to the person than just dementia.

“Dementia may take away someone’s memories, but it is important to remember that their feelings and emotions are still there.”

A dementia friendly dance hosted at the college alongside Dementia Action Teesside is just one of the ways the team continues to practise what they preach. The event offers the chance for students and staff to meet with those with dementia and their families and offer a fun afternoon.

And the group's senior management team members recently took part in refresher training, maintaining their own dementia-friend status.

Michelle said: “Dementia is something that touches everyone’s lives, whether it is a parent, grandparent, neighbour, friend or colleague.

“Knowing what to expect and having a better understanding of how to respond can make the world of difference to that individual.”